1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22372February 3, 2006Jamaica: Political and Economic Conditionsand U.S. Relationsname redactedSpecialist in Latin American AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryA
2、lthough Jamaica has a stable parliamentary democracy and is a middle-incomedeveloping country, the government of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson faces severalsignificant challenges. These include a violent crime wave fueled by gangs and drugtrafficking; high external debt, estimated at 135% of gross d
3、omestic product, that couldconstrain the governments social expenditures; and an adult HIV/AIDS infection rateof over 1%. U.S. relations with Jamaica are close and characterized by significanteconomic linkages and cooperation on such bilateral issues as anti-drug traffickingmeasures, hurricane recon
4、struction support, and efforts to combat the AIDS epidemic.Overall U.S. foreign aid to Jamaica amounted to about $41 million in FY2005 (with $18million for hurricane assistance) and an estimated $19 million in overall aid for FY2006.This report will not be updated. For further information, see CRS R
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